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The Swan River daisy, Brachycome, adds decorative flair to pots and baskets. The Swan River daisy has green leaves and blue, pink, purple, or white daisy-like flowers from summer to early fall.
There are 60 to 70 species in this genus but only Brachycome iberidifolia it is grown in gardens. B. iberidifolia can be planted in abundance in beds and borders. It is also perfect for hanging baskets and other containers. perennial, B. rigidulait is a good rock garden plant; hardy in temperate climates.
Brachycome grows as a wild flower in Australia.
Brachycome is sometimes spelled Brachyscome.
Brachycome Overview
Brachycome, also known as swan river daisya showy, slow-growing annual or perennial plant native to Australia. This plant is valued for its abundance of small, daisy-like flowers that bloom in shades of purple, blue, white, and pink, often with contrasting yellow or black hues. Brachycome’s soft, feathery leaves and profusion of flowers make it a favorite for adding softness and color to garden spaces.
Brachycome Features
- Height and Growth Habit: Brachycome tends to grow 6 to 12 inches long and spreads to approx 12 to 18 inchescreating a beautiful, polished texture.
- Leaves: This plant has beautiful, fern-like green leaves that provide an attractive background to its flowers.
- Flowers: Small daisy-like flowers are about 1 inch wide and appear in large numbers during the growing season. They have a bright, airy appearance that adds charm to garden displays.
- Soil and Water Requirements: Brachycome thrives in well-drained soil and prefers moderate watering. It is drought tolerant once established but will do best with regular watering during hot, dry periods.
Brachycome Used in the Garden
- Borders and Edging: Brachycome is ideal for planting in front borders or paths where its growth habit creates a soft edge and a splash of colour.
- Rock Gardens: Drought tolerance and low profile make brachycome ideal for rock gardens, where it can sit among rocks and other heat-loving plants.
- Containers and Hanging Baskets: Brachycome does well in pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets, where it can spill over the edges and create a cascading effect. Its continuous bloom illuminates balconies, patios, and doorways.
- Companion Planting: Use brachycome alongside other slow-growing, sun-loving plants such as lobelia, alyssum, and petunias to create a harmonious combination of color and texture.
- Mass Planting: For a showy display, plant brachycome in clusters or masses in garden beds. This will create a lush, carpet-like effect that draws attention.
Brachycome is Important Gardening Tips
- Sunshine: Plant brachycome in full sun to partial shade the best bloom. In hot climates, partial afternoon shade can help maintain their vitality.
- Space: Space plants about 8-12 inches without allowing good air flow and circulation.
- Care and Maintenance: Brachycome is low-maintenance, requiring little more than weeding to encourage continuous flowering. Cutting back the stems can encourage bushier growth. Avoid over watering, as this plant prefers to be kept on the dry side once established.
- Pests and Problems: Brachycome is generally pest-free and disease-free, making it an easy-care choice for gardens.
Brachycome Design ideas
- The Cottage Gardens: Incorporate brachycome into a cottage-style planting, mixing it with flowers like cosmos, zinnias, and snapdragons for a soft, romantic look.
- Pollinator Gardens: Although not a top choice for pollinators, brachycome can still attract butterflies and bees, adding to the garden’s natural diversity.
- Pathway Accents: Use brachycome on paths or stepping stones to soften edges and add a whimsical touch.
Adding brachycome to your garden can create a burst of color and delightful texture. Its easy care and versatility make it a great choice for growers looking for long-lasting blooms with minimal maintenance.
Get to know the Swan River daisy
- Plant type: Annual and perennial
- Growing areas and ranges: Areas 3 to 11
- Hardiness: Plants wilt when the weather is hot.
- Height and width: 8 to 18 inches (20-45cm) in length and width
- Form: Dense mounds of thin stems and green, finely cut leaves
- Flowers: Blue, lavender, white, or pink 1-inch, round flowers (ray florets) with black or yellow centers
- Flowering time: Late winter or early spring
- Uses: Edging in beds and borders; trailing practice is perfect for window boxes and hanging baskets
- Common name: Swan river daisy
- Botanical name: Brachycome; sometimes spelled Brachyscome
- Family: Asteraceae
- Origin: Australia
Where to plant the Swan River daisy
- Plant Swan River daisies in full sun.
- Grow Swan River daisies in humus-rich, well-drained soil.
- Brachycome does not grow well in regions with very hot, humid summers.
Where to plant the Swan River daisy
- Establish hardy plants 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost in Zones 2 to 8. In zones 9 through 11, plant in fall or early winter for winter or early spring color.
- Sow the seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost,
- Sow directly into the garden in late spring.
- Do successive sowings every 3 weeks for continued flowering.
Planting and dividing the Swan River daisy
- Spread the seeds over the surface and press them lightly into the soil. Seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60° and 70°F (15.6°-21°C).
- Water from the bottom and keep the soil on the dry side to avoid waterlogging.
- Space Swan River daisies are 6 to 8 inches tall to form a dense carpet of flowers.
How to water and feed the Swan River daisy
- Keep the soil evenly moist. Swan River daisy is drought tolerant once established.
Swan River daisy care
- Mulch around Swan River daisies to conserve soil moisture and prevent weeds.
- Remove spent flowers to promote new blooms.
- Support tall plants with branches or stakes.
- Swan River daisies will regrow in cooler climates.
Swan River daisy pests and diseases
- This plant is sometimes favored by botrytis, aphids, and slugs.
Swan River daisy propagation
- Sow seeds indoors in early spring.
- To grow houseplants that bloom in late winter, plant seeds in the fall indoors.
- B. iberidifolia can be propagated by division or by taking cuttings in spring or late summer.
Swan River daisy varieties to grow
- Brachycome iberidifolia: Annual with dense branches and grows 12 to 18 centimeters (30-45cm) tall; fern-gray-like leaves; bears 1 cm diameter daisy flowers in purple-blue, white, and pink; Varieties include ‘Green Star’ with blue flowers, ‘White Splendor’ with white flowers, ‘Purple Splendor’ with purplish flowers.
- B. multifida: Perennial like B. iberidifolia with blue flowers.
- B. rigidula: Perennial grows to 6 inches (15cm) tall and 12 inches (30cm) wide; plants from the dense lower layers of many leafy stems; lavender blue flowers throughout the summer.
Swan River daisy frequently asked questions
Q: Swan River daisy flowers only last a few weeks. How can I enjoy them for a long time?
A: The Swan River daisy is not a long blooming plant. Sow seeds or add plants to the garden every three weeks to ensure continuous blooms throughout the summer.
Q: How do I plant Swan River daisies?
A: Start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last expected frost. Place the plant in the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
Q: What growing conditions do Swan River daisies need?
A: Swan river daisies want full sun in warm soil. Plant them in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Keep them well watered and covered with mulch to keep the soil moist and cool.
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